with Reports from Celso Cajucom, Regional Reporter-Correspondent

CABANATUAN CITY – Nueva Ecija Governor Aurelio Umali has filed a Motion for Reconsideration following the Office of the Ombudsman’s order suspending him from service without pay for one year due to alleged irregularities in the issuance of quarry permits.

In a public statement released via his official social media account, Gov. Umali confirmed the legal action:

“I have already filed a Motion for Reconsideration, which is now pending resolution. We will continue to go through the proper legal process because we firmly believe in truth and justice.”

The suspension order, dated June 19, 2024, was only made public by the Ombudsman’s office over the weekend. The order was signed by Graft Officer III Leilani Tagulao Marquez, Assistant Ombudsman Pilarita Lapitan, and Deputy Ombudsman Dante Vargas, with final approval from then Ombudsman Samuel Martires.

Ombudsman Cites Misconduct Over 205 Quarry Permits

The Ombudsman found Umali administratively liable for issuing 205 Commercial Sand and Gravel Permits (CSGPs) between 2014 and 2016 without the required Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB).

This action was deemed a violation of Republic Act 6770 (Section 25[2]), also known as the Ombudsman Act of 1989, and Section 10(b), Rule III of Administrative Order No. 7, which outlines the Rules of Procedure of the Ombudsman.

Although the Ombudsman noted there was no evidence of premeditated intent or malice in Umali’s issuance of permits, his actions were still considered sufficient to constitute:
Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service

Simple Misconduct

Additionally, the provincial government allegedly failed to remit tax shares to local government units (LGUs) and neglected to enforce compliance with environmental regulations and quarrying laws.

House Committee Report, Complaint Details

The case was initiated through a complaint filed by Roberto Duldulao, who alleged that the permits were issued to unqualified groups lacking the necessary ECCs.

The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability had previously conducted hearings on questionable quarry operations in Nueva Ecija, which contributed to the Ombudsman’s findings.

Preventive Suspension and Dismissed Complaints

Earlier, on May 22, 2024, the Ombudsman also ordered a six-month preventive suspension of Gov. Umali over the same administrative complaint.

However, the Ombudsman dismissed complaints against other involved parties, including:
Czarina “Cherry” Umali, the governor’s wife, Wilfredo M. Pangilinan, provincial environment officer, Danilo Uykieng, regional director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Lope Cariño Jr., Samuel Paragas, and Alilo Ensomo Jr., other MGB officials.